1. Hazardous Materials for
First Responders
4th Edition
Chapter 2 — Hazardous Materials
Identification

2. Clues
1. Occupancy type, location, pre-incident plans
2. Container shape
3. Placards, labels, and markings
4. Other markings and colors
5. Written resources
6. Senses
7. Monitoring and detection devices
Prepare for the unexpected
2–1

3. Risk increases when moving closer
to identify hazardous materials.
Click for
next slide

4. Occupancy Type/Location
• First clue upon response notification
• Not always obvious
• On scene personnel vital
• Certain occupancy types are highly probable
haz mat locations
• Location may indicate terrorist target
• Residential occupancies are not excluded
from having hazardous chemicals
2–3

5. Some occupancies are highly
probable locations for hazardous
materials.
Courtesy of U.S. Customs and Border Protection,
photo by Charles Csavossy
2–4

6. Locations That May Indicate
Hazardous Materials
• Roadways
• Railways
• Waterways
• Airways
• Pipelines
• Water level in rivers Courtesy of Phil Linder
and tidal areas
2–5

7. Potential terrorist targets that
should be considered.
Mass Areas of public Industrial sites
transportation assembly and
recreation Educational
Critical sites
infrastructure High profile
buildings and Medical and
locations science
facilities
2–6

8. Pre-Incident Surveys
• Reduce on-site decisions for first
responders
• Reduce oversights, confusion, and
duplication of effort
• Identify several items
• Ongoing process; includes review and
updates
• Not always accurate
2–7

9. Identify where a potential
attack can do the greatest harm.
Courtesy of U.S. Customs and Border Protection,
photo by Gerald L. Nino
2–8

10. Container Shapes
2–9

11. Categories of Containers
• Bulk and nonbulk
• Pressure and nonpressure
• Bulk-capacity fixed-facility containment
systems and transportation packaging
Courtesy of Rich Mahaney
2–10

12. Bulk/Non-bulk
• Max capacity greater • Anything small than
than 119 gal. bulk
• Net mass greater • Drums, boxes,
than 882lbs. carboys etc.
• Or 1,001 lbs. for a
gas
•Haz Mat for First
Responders
2–11

13. There are several types of bulk-
capacity fixed-facility containers.
Aboveground
Buildings
storage tanks
Underground
Machinery
storage tanks
(Continued)
2–12

14. There are several types of bulk-
capacity fixed-facility containers.
Reactors
Pipelines
Vats
Open
Storage
piles or
Cabinets
bins
2–13

15. Nonpressure/atmospheric storage
tanks operate under little pressure.
Click for
next slide
Courtesy of Rich Mahaney

16. Pressure Storage Tanks
• Hold contents under pressure
• Low-pressure storage tanks – Operating
pressures from 0.5 to 15 psi (3.45 kPa
to 103 kPa) {0.03 bar to 1.03 bar}
• Pressure vessels – Pressures of 15+ psi
(103 kPa) {1.03 bar} or greater
(Continued)
2–15

17. There are a variety of bulk
transportation containers.
Railroad Cargo Intermodal
cars tanks containers
Vessel cargo Unit loading
carriers devices
Intermediate
Ton
bulk
containers
containers
2–16

18. Low-pressure tank cars transport
materials with low vapor pressures.
Courtesy of Rich Mahaney
2–17

19. Pressure tank cars transport
materials with higher pressures.
Courtesy of Rich Mahaney
2–18

20. Cryogenic liquid tank cars carry low
pressure and refrigerated liquids.
Courtesy of Rich Mahaney
2–19

21. Other railroad cars carry a
variety of materials.
Uncovered
Covered
(open top)
hopper cars
hopper cars
Pneumatically
Boxcars and
unloaded
gondolas
hopper cars
2–20

22. Cargo tank construction features
are designed to fit specific uses.
Courtesy of Rich Mahaney
2–21

23. Intermodal containers may contain
hazardous materials or mixed loads.
(Continued)
2–22

24. Some intermodal containers are
tank containers.
Courtesy of Rich Mahaney
2–23

25. Low- pressure intermodal
containers are the most common.
Courtesy of Rich Mahaney
Courtesy of Rich Mahaney
2–25

26. Intermodal containers can be
pressurized or specialized.
Courtesy of Rich Mahaney
Courtesy of Rich Mahaney
2–26

27. There are a variety of vessel cargo
carriers that are likely to contain
hazardous materials.
• Petroleum carrier
Tanker • Chemical carrier
• Liquefied flammable
Cargo • Bulk carrier
• Break bulk carrier
vessel • Container vessel
Barge
2–27

28. Unit loading devices are used to
consolidate air cargo into
transportable units.
Courtesy of John Demyan
2–28

29. Intermediate bulk containers are
designed for mechanical handling.
Courtesy of Rich Mahaney
2–29

30. Intermediate bulk containers
can be flexible or rigid.
Courtesy of Rich Mahaney Courtesy of Rich Mahaney
2–30

31. Ton containers require special
equipment to patch.
Courtesy of Rich Mahaney
Courtesy of Rich Mahaney
2–31

32. CAUTION
Structural fire-fighting gear does not
provide adequate protection against the
hazardous materials commonly stored
in ton containers.
2–32

33. Nonbulk packaging is used to
transport smaller quantities of
hazardous materials.
Carboys and
Bags
jerry cans
Cylinders Drums
Deward
flasks
2–33

34. Containers for radioactive
materials protect against
increasing levels of hazards.
Click for
next slide
Nuclear Security Administration, Nevada
Courtesy of Tom Clawson, National
Site Office, and U.S. Air Force
2–34

35. Radioactive Material
• Excepted – limited radioactivity, no risk to public or
environment, not marked or labeled
• Industrial – retains and protects content, limited hazard to
public
• Type A – must demonstrate the ability to withstand tests
without a release , relatively high radioactivity level
• Type B – must withstand severe accidents, small to large
containers, high hazard to public or environment
• Type C – Rare high activity material, transported by aircraft,
withstands severe accidents
2–35

36. Transportation Placards
2–36

37. UN Recommendations on the
Transport of Dangerous Goods
• Adopted by U.S., Canada, and Mexico
• Establishes minimum requirements for
transport by all modes of transportation
• Facilitates trade and safe, efficient
transport
• Includes standards for packaging and
multimodal tanks
(Continued)
2–37

38. UN hazard classes identify
substances that pose significant
hazard in transportation.
Class 1 - Explosives
Class 2 - Gases
Class 3 - Flammable liquids
Class 4 - Flammable solids, substances liable to
spontaneous combustion, substances that emit
flammable gases on contact with water (Cont.)
2–38

39. UN hazard classes identify
substances that pose significant
hazard in transportation.
Class 5 - Oxidizing substances and organic
peroxides
Class 6 - Toxic and infectious substances
Class 7 - Radioactive materials
Class 8 - Corrosive substances
Class 9 - Miscellaneous dangerous substances
and articles
2–39

40. UN identification numbers are
assigned to individual materials.
2–40

41. U.S. DOT placards are unique for
each hazard class.
2–41

42. U.S. DOT labels provide the
same information as placards.
2–42

43. Canadian and Mexican placards,
labels, and markings are based on
UN recommendations.
Click for
next slide
2–43

44. Other North American highway
vehicle identification markings will
include various information.
Courtesy of Rich Mahaney
2–44

45. North American railroad tank car
markings have a variety of styles.
Courtesy of Rich Mahaney
(Continued)
2–45

46. North American railroad tank car
markings have a variety of styles.
(Continued)
Courtesy of Rich Mahaney
2–46

47. North American railroad tank car
markings have a variety of styles.
2–47

48. International intermodal container/
tank markings are generally on the
right hand side.
2–48

49. Other Markings and Colors
• 704 Diamond
• Common hazardous communication labels
• Military markings
• Pipeline ID
• CAS numbers
• Globally Harmonized System Symbols
• Pesticide labels
• Color codes
2–49

50. CAUTION
Read the container and understand all
of the information provided!
2–50

51. NFPA® 704 System is commonly
required for occupancies that
contain hazardous materials.
2–51

52. U.S. Hazard Communications Labels
and Markings(Right to Know)
• Requires employers to:
– identify hazards in workplace
and train employees how to
recognize these hazards
– ensure that all containers are
labeled, tagged, or marked
with identity of substances
contained along with
appropriate hazard warnings
2–52

53. Canadian Workplace Hazardous Materials
Information System (WHMIS) uses two
types of labels.
2–53

54. Mexican Hazard
Communication System
• Equivalent to HCS
• Employers ensure that hazardous
chemical substances in workplace are
appropriately and adequately labeled
• Adopts NFPA® 704 and related label
system as official
• Caution symbols triangular
2–54

55. FHSA requirements for household products
labels uses a system of signal
words.(Federal hazard. substance act)
CAUTION WARNING DANGER POISON
• Minor • Moderate • Highest • In addition
health hazards degree of to DANGER
effects hazard on labels
of highly
toxic
materials
(Continued)
2–55

56. FHSA Requirements for
Household Products Labels
• Name, business address of manufacturer,
packer, distributor, or seller
•Common/chemical name of ingredients
•Principal hazard(s)
•Precautionary statements
•First-aid instructions
•Instructions for special handling or care
• Keep out of the reach of children
2–56

57. Chemical Abstract
Service® (CAS ®) Numbers
• Unique numerical identifiers assigned to
various products
• Can be used to search chemical
databases
• Typically included on safety data sheets
2–57

58. This EPA sign is an example of how
other symbols and signs may vary
by facility.
2–58

59. ISO safety symbols are
international safety signs used
with OSHA hazard signs.
2–59

60. Globally Harmonized System (GHS)
symbols help create consistent
labeling standards.
2–60

61. Military markings are not
necessarily uniform.
Courtesy of Rich Mahaney
2–61

62. CAUTION
The military ships some hazardous
materials and chemicals by common
carrier. When this is done they are not
required to be marked with DOT and TC
transportation markings.
2–62

63. Pipeline markers are required
where pipelines cross under or over
roads, railroads, and waterways.
Click for
next slide
Courtesy of Rich Mahaney

64. Pesticide labels are regulated by
the EPA.
EPA registration
and establishment
2–64

65. Color Codes – ANSI Z535.1
Danger or
Stop Warning
Safety
Caution Equipment
Safety
Information
Signage
2–65

66. Written Resources
1. Shipping papers
2. MSDS sheets
3. ERG book
4. Facility Documents
2–66

67. Shipping papers accompany
hazardous materials shipments.
2–67

68. Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) are
often the best source of detailed
information available.
2–68

69. MSDS Sheets Include
• Identification
• Hazard
• Composition/ingredients
• First aid measures
• Firefighting measures
• Accidental release measures
• Handling and storage
• Exposure control/personal protection
• Physical and chemical properties
• Stability and reactivity
• Toxicological information
• Ecological information
2–69

70. MSDS Information (cont.)
• Disposal considerations
• Transport information
• Regulatory information
• Other information
2–70

71. The Emergency Response
Guidebook (ERG) helps quickly
identify specific/generic hazards.
Courtesy of Rich Mahaney
2–71

72. Other Records That May Provide
Information About Hazardous Materials
• Chemical Inventory Lists (CILs)
• Shipping and receiving documents
• Inventory records
• Risk management and hazardous
communication plans
• Emergency response plans developed
by the LEPC
2–72

73. Senses
• Vision – safest
• Smell – most odors are below
dangerous levels some may cause
olfactory fatigue
• Hear
• Taste
• Feel
2–73

74. WARNING!
Deliberately using the human senses to
detect the presence of hazardous
materials is both unreliable and
dangerous.
2–74

75. Visual and physical chemical
indicators provide evidence of the
presence of hazardous materials.
Courtesy of FEMA News Photos, photo by Liz Roll
2–75

76. Visible Evidence of Chemical
Reactions
• Spreading vapor cloud
• Unusual color of smoke
• Flames
• Gloves melting
• Changes in vegetation
• Container deterioration/bulging
• Sick dead or dying people, birds, animals, insects or
fish
• Discoloration of piping or valves
2–76

77. Physical Actions
• Rainbow sheen
• Wavy vapors
• Frost buildup
• Deformed containers due to accidents
• Activated pressure relief devices
• Pinging or popping of heat exposed
vessels
2–77

78. Chemical Reactions (evidence
of)
• Exothermic Heat
• Unusual or unexpected heat drop
• Extraordinary fire conditions
• Peeling or discoloration of containers finish
• Spattering or boiling of unheated materials
• Distinctively colored vapor clouds
• Smoking or self igniting materials
• Unexpected deterioration of equipment
• Peculiar smells
• Unexplained changes in ordinary material
• Symptoms of chemical exposure
2–78

79. Physical signs and symptoms of
chemical exposure can occur
separately or in clusters.
Changes in level
• Difficult breathing of consciousness
• Increase or decrease
• Dizziness
• Tightness of chest • Nausea
• Lightheadedness
• Irritation • Vomiting
• Drowsiness
• Respiratory arrest • Cramping
• Confusion
• Fainting
Changes in Abdominal
respiration distress
(Continued)
2–79

80. Physical signs and symptoms of
chemical exposure can occur
separately or in clusters.
Visual
• Fatigue Weakness disturbances
• Stupor Hyperactivity • Burning sensations
• Restlessness • Double vision • Reddening
• Anxiety Giddiness • Blurred vision • Paleness
• Faulty Judgment • Cloudy vision • Fever
• Burning of the eyes • Chills
• Dilated or constricted
Changes in pupils
Skin changes
activity level
(Continued)
2–80

81. Physical signs and symptoms of
chemical exposure can occur
separately or in clusters.
• Uncontrolled tears
Pain
• Profuse sweating
• Mucus flowing from the nose • Headache
• Diarrhea • Muscle ache
• Frequent Urination • Stomachache
• Bloody stool • Chest pain
• Intense thirst • Localized pain at sites of
substance contact
Changes in
excretion or thirst
2–81

82. Monitoring and
Detection Devices
• Can be useful in determining the
presence of hazardous materials and
concentrations
• Can be used to determine scope of
incident
• Effective use requires actual contact;
outside scope for Awareness-Level
personnel
2–82

83. Terrorist Attacks/Illicit
Laboratories
2–83

84. There are several key differences
between hazardous materials and
terrorist incidents.
Presence of
Number of extremely
Size and capacity
casualties hazardous
materials
Necessity of
Potential for
Booby traps crime scene
armed resistance
preservation
Secondary Higher level of
devices risk targets
2–84

85. Cues to Possibility
of Terrorist Attack
• Report of 2 or more medical
emergencies in public locations
• Unusually large number of people with
similar signs and symptoms arriving at
physicians’ offices or emergency rooms
• Reported explosion at public, historic,
or government location
2–85

86. Chemical Attack Indicators
• Chemical warfare agents – nerve,
blister, blood, choking
• Toxic Industrial Materials/Toxic
Industrial Chemicals (TIM’s/TIC’s)
2–86

87. There are a variety of chemical
attack indicators.
Warning/threat of
attack; received
intelligence
Hazardous materials
Unexplained odors or presence or lab
tastes equipment not relevant
to occupancy
Unexplained
patterns, sudden onset
Intentional release (Continued)
of similar, nontraumatic
illnesses or deaths
2–87

88. There are a variety of chemical
attack indicators.
Multiple individuals
exhibiting skin, eye, or
airway irritation
Causalities distributed
Unexplained bomb or
downwind or near
munition-like material
ventilation systems
Multiple individuals Unexplained vapor
exhibiting unexplained clouds, mists, and (Continued)
health problems plumes
2–88

89. There are a variety of chemical
attack indicators.
Multiple individuals experiencing
blisters and/or rashes
Dead, discolored, abnormal
Unusual security trees, shrubs, bushes, crops, and/or
lawns
Abnormal number of sick or dead Surfaces exhibiting oily droplets or
birds, animals, and/or fish films; oily film on water surfaces
2–89

90. Symptoms of Exposure to
Chemical Warfare Agents
• Salivation
• Lacrimation
• Urination
• Defecation
• Gastrointestinal upset
• Emesis
• Miosis or Muscle twitching
2–90

91. Biological Attacks
• Viruses
• Bacteria
• Rickettsia
• Biological toxins
2–91

92. Indicators
• Warning or threat
• Presentation of unusual diseases
• Unusual number of sick or dying/similar signs and
symptoms
• Unscheduled or unusual spraying
• Abandoned spray devices
• Non-endemic illness for region
• Casualty distribution aligned with wind
• Illnesses associated with common source of food or
water
2–92

93. Biological attack effects may
take several days to develop.
Courtesy of U.S. Department of Agriculture
Courtesy of CDC Public Health Image Library
2–93

94. Radiological attack indicators can
be exhibited in a variety of ways.
Courtesy of Tom Clawson
2–94

95. • Individuals with radiation exposure
• Radiological material left in public places
• Packages weighing more than they should
• Activation of radiation detection devices
• Hot material with no external heat source
• Glowing material
2–95

96. There are a variety of nuclear
attack indicators.
Courtesy of the U.S. Department of Energy
2–96

97. • Warning or threat
• Mushroom cloud
• Exceptionally large/powerful explosion
• Electromagnetic pulse
2–97

98. Explosive/incendiary attack
indicators may be involved in the
majority of terrorists attacks.
Courtesy of the U.S. Department of Defense
Courtesy of the U.S. Department of Defense
2–98

99. Illicit Laboratories present
numerous threats.
Exterior clues
Discarded
Blacked out
chemical Booby traps
windows
containers
Hidden or Inappropriate
Excessive amounts
disguised levels of protection
of trash
entrances and security
2–99

100. Illicit Laboratories present
numerous threats.
Interior clues
Covered
Flasks and
windows in Chemical Unusual heat
other
an occupied odors sources
glassware
building
Large
Containers of Pill packages
quantities of Propane
unknown or blister
lithium bottles
substances packs
batteries
2–100

101. Secondary attacks and booby
traps are always a possibility.
2–101

102. Protecting Against
Possible Secondary Devices
• Anticipate the presence of a secondary
device at any suspicious incident
• Visually search for a secondary device
before moving into the incident area
• Limit number of emergency response
personnel to those performing critical
tasks
(Continued)
2–102

103. Protecting Against
Possible Secondary Devices
• Avoid touching or moving anything that
may conceal an explosive device
• Manage the scene with cordons,
boundaries, and scene control zones
• Evacuate victims and nonessential
personnel as quickly as possible
• Preserve scene as much as possible
2–103

104. Items that should arouse curiosity
when looking for a secondary
attack.
Devices containing Ordnance such as
Unusual devices or Materials attached to or
Containers with unknown quantities of blasting Any combination of these
containers with electronic surrounding an item that
liquids or materials fuses, fireworks, match caps, detcord, military items
components could be use for shrapnel
heads, etc. explosives, etc.
2–104

105. Summary
• Using the seven clues to the presence
of hazardous materials, can help first
responders take the first steps toward
successful mitigation of a hazardous
materials incident.
• Correctly identifying a hazardous
material may be difficult and
dangerous. (Continued)
2–105

106. Summary
• First responders must be able to
recognize when an incident may be the
result of a terrorist attack, and to
recognize the signs of illicit laboratories.
2–106